Shoplifting at Macys Got Summoned Showed Up to Court then Never Showed Up Again
My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York
I was caught shoplifting in New York Long Island and I got a summons. Went to court they took finger print and pictures. I went to the judge, he told me to go home and get a lawyer, i didn't have money for a lawyer and i was pregnant living in someone else's house and now I have a job and a baby I don't want to ruin my future. I never went to court again and how do I check what the status of my summon or criminal background is? I think it was about $500 worth of stuff. Maycs convinced me to pay 10$ that day and said I can pay the rest later in 15 days. I never did. What do i do? I'm 22.
2. is there a warrent for my arrest?
3. can i go on the plane? or drive? what if they catch me what will happen?
4. what do I do now? I want to fix this but I don't have that much money to afford a lawyer or have a car to go al the way to that court.
thank you everyone so much in advance. obviously i am very embarrassed and ashamed. I will not do it again.
Re: Shoplifting at Macys Got Summoned Showed Up to Court then Never Showed Up Again
Likely, there is warrant out for your arrest.
I would turn get a lawyer immediately. Seriously, call TONIGHT and leave a message to consult with a few. See who works best for you (not cheapest, but best solution). Right now you have a $500 shoplifting charge AND a Failure to Appear to deal with.
If you are pulled over - either as driver or passenger - you will be arrested, handcuffs, etc. Possibly Dept of Children and Families called in to take care of your child.
Re: Shoplifting at Macys Got Summoned Showed Up to Court then Never Showed Up Again
Failure to appear normally results in a bench warrant for your arrest. I doubt they will come looking for you, but instead the warrant will be discovered during a traffic stop or other contact with the law. If so, you would be taken to jail and made to post bond.
Re: Shoplifting at Macys Got Summoned Showed Up to Court then Never Showed Up Again
This is an excellent example of how not showing up in court can make a bad situation worse. Nobody wanted to put you in jail, that's why they issued the summons. Now you have a FTA warrant and more than ever you need to hire that lawyer the judge told you to get.